It’s finally summertime! The sun is out, the weather is warm, and it’s time to enjoy the outdoors. But before you head outside, it’s important to remember to stay safe in the sun. Sun exposure can cause a variety of health problems, including skin cancer. In this blog post, we will discuss 11 tips that will help you stay safe in the sun this summer.
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11 Tips to Stay Safe in the Sun
Wear Sunscreen
It’s important to wear sunscreen in summer. Make sure to choose a sunscreen that has an SPF of 30 or higher and is waterproof. Apply sunscreen liberally to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, arms, and legs. Remember to reapply every two hours, or more often if you are swimming or sweating.
Wear Sunglasses
When you are outside, protect your eyes from the sun’s harmful rays by wearing sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that have 100% UV protection. Don’t worry even if you have vision problems. There’re some kind of clip on sunglasses for eyeglasses on the market today that can meet your requirement. For added protection, wear a hat that shades your face, neck, and ears.
Seek Shade
Whenever possible, seek out shade when you are outside, especially when the sun is at its strongest (between the hours of 11am and 3pm). This will help protect your skin from the sun’s harmful rays. If you must be in the sun during these hours, make sure to wear protective clothing such as a hat or sunglasses.
Check the UV Index
Before you head outdoors, check the UV index for your area. The UV index is a measure of the strength of the sun’s ultraviolet radiation. The higher the number, the greater the risk of sun damage to your skin. If the UV index is high, take extra precautions to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.
Avoid Tanning Beds
Tanning beds are one of the most dangerous ways to try and get a tan. The UV rays emitted by tanning beds can cause skin cancer, premature aging, and other health problems. It’s important to avoid them altogether. If you want to get a tan, do it the safe way by using a self-tanner or bronzer. Never over-expose to tanning beds in summer.
Monitor Your Skin for Changes
Be on the lookout for changes in your skin and monitor it regularly. Check for new moles or changes in existing moles, like size, shape, color, or elevation. If you notice anything unusual, make an appointment with a dermatologist. You should also monitor your skin for any itching, redness, or swelling that doesn’t go away. These could be signs of a sun allergy or other skin reaction.
Know the Signs of Heat-Related Illness
In summer, the weather is not only hot but also humid. This can lead to heat-related illnesses such as heat stroke and heat exhaustion. Symptoms of heat stroke include high body temperature, red skin, rapid pulse, headache, and dizziness. If you or someone you know has these symptoms, send him or her to the hospital immediately.
Drink Plenty of Water
Dehydration is one of the main causes of heat exhaustion and heat stroke, so it’s important to make sure you’re drinking plenty of fluids during hot weather. The best way to stay hydrated is to drink water regularly throughout the day, even if you’re not thirsty. Carry a water bottle with you when you go out, and try to avoid sugary drinks like soda or alcohol, which can actually cause dehydration.
Take Extra Precautions if You Have Fair Skin
If you have fair skin, you are at greater risk for sun damage and skin cancer. Take extra precautions when spending time outdoors by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF rating, protective clothing, and a hat. Seek out shade whenever possible.
Be Careful Around Water, Sand, and Snow
With the hot weather comes, the temptation to head to the beach or take a dip in the pool is increasing. But it’s important to remember that water, sand, and snow can all reflect and intensify the sun’s rays. So don’t forget to protect your eyes with sunglasses that block at least 99% of UV rays.
Limit Your Time in the Sun
The best way to protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays is to limit your time outdoors. So try to limit your time in the sun in summer, especially during peak hours when the sun’s rays are strongest. If you must be outside, make sure to wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, pants, hats, and sunglasses.
The Final Words
Summer is a great time to enjoy the outdoors, but it’s important to take precautions to protect yourself. By following these tips, you can enjoy summer safely while protecting yourself from the sun’s harmful rays. Thanks for reading! And hope you have a great summer!